Thinking Allowed: Picking favourites in Fukuoka

We just wrapped up a relaxing two weeks in the more Southern Japanese city of Fukuoka. As a city Fukuoka definitely has a different vibe than its more tourist heavy northern counterparts. It feels more low key. It may just be because the weather was warmer, but Fukuoka felt like a city that loves its parks and outdoor spaces. It was nice to see the parks constantly full of families strolling, youth playing soccer, children playing, and everyone else doing whatever they do in parks. The main train station area was busy, as it is in most cities, but we found ourselves gravitating there often - not just to catch trains but also to enjoy the many cafes and events - a small mystery walk, a skateboarding tournament, food stalls.... We felt more of a Korean link, which made sense as we were very close to South Korea, and enjoyed a Korean meal, spicy fillings in our onigiri, and bakeries full of bread that was more than just fluffy. It was a relaxing two weeks full of trips to parks, temples, museums, beaches, and lots of school work. Our favourite spot by far though was the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.

The park, nestled on a peninsula creating an outer ring to Fukuoka harbour, was hours (or in our case days) or entertainment for a minimal admission fee (four dollars for me and four kids). For a small fee you can rent bicycles for the day to help you explore the wider grounds and make it to the widespread attractions. Tova has been begging to rent bicycles for months but it is rare to find a place with bicycles in all different sizes and configurations that meets our budget. Aside from bicycles the park has a zoo, beaches on both the ocean and bay sides, forest, a huge swimming pool area complete with waterslides and splash pads (unfortunately not yet open), a craft house where you are supplied with woodworking tools and bits of wood and stuff found in nature to make your own creations, a flower museum, a rose garden, fields of seasonal flower displays, cafes, dozens of playgrounds, a fitness obstacle course, a water obstacle course, a fort system, and best of all a giant jumping pillow. It was all so wonderful that we went twice in our first week. Our second week was rainier so I planned on visiting an island on our last sunny day. But after looking at what the island had to offer (a small town and flower garden) the children voted that returning to their new favourite park and going bicycling was way better. So, nearly a quarter of our days in Fukuoka were happily spent at our new favourite park.